Tuesday, 26 September 2017

A BA hostess who sparked outrage when she posted a racist rant on Snapchat has defended it as a joke, according to a pal.

Joanne Wickenden filmed herself railing against Nigerian passengers demanding "f***ing upgrades" while wearing her smart flight uniform.But a close friend has defended her actions, telling the MailOnline: "She's not racist, it was a joke between two friends.

"It wasn't meant to be racist. She is not saying she dislikes Nigerians and she's not saying that anyone is better than anyone else."

Earlier it was reported that an online profile on dating site Plenty Of Fish shows the 23-year-old "wants to date but nothing serious".

And a talent agency lists her as an aspiring actress whose page has been viewed more than 130 times.

The apparent race-hate footage - allegedly recorded in her car - was spotted by fellowcabin crew who quickly reported it to bosses at BA.

The airline told the Sun Online:​ "We expect the utmost professionalism from our staff when they are representing British Airways. We are investigating this video."

In the outrageous footage, Wickenden rants: "All Nigerians are going to be asking for f***ing upgrades."

During the Snapchat clip, she also bragged how she was going to handle passengers on the six-hour flight.

One part of the video was captioned: "I can't cope with this flight."

She adds: "Alright, so all of yous are there getting ready for your Friday night, getting in the pre-drinks, you know, as you do.

"And I'm here, getting ready to go to work, put on a yellow life jacket, point out the exits, hand out chicken or beef, what sort of Friday night is this for me?

"All the Nigerians are gonna be there like 'gimme Coca Cola, gimme me beef, why you have no beef left? I want beef.'

"And I'm just gonna be there like, 'Sorry sir, we ran out of beef'."

She also goes on to make a "joke" about the size of the male passenger's todgers in a mock Nigerian accent.

She said: "All the Nigerians are gonna be there asking for f***ing upgrades because they haven't got enough leg room because their b***s are in their way.